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    Ashes to Ashes
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    Ashes to Ashes
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    Ashes to Ashes
    Ebook273 pages3 hours

    Ashes to Ashes

    By Mel Starr

    4.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Master Hugh, Kate, and their children attend the Midsummer's Eve fire. Next morning early Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned.

    Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones. Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones are those of a bailiff from a nearby manor. Someone has slain him and placed his body in the fire to destroy evidence of murder. Bailiffs are not popular men; they dictate labour service, collect rents, and enforce other obligations. Has this bailiff died at the hand of some angry tenant? Hugh soon discovers this is not the case. There is quite another reason for murder ...

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLion Fiction
    Release dateSep 18, 2015
    ISBN9781782641346
    Unavailable
    Ashes to Ashes
    Author

    Mel Starr

    Mel Starr is the author of the successful Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton series. He was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, hetaught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years. Since retiring, he has focused on writing full time. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and eight grandchildren.

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    Reviews for Ashes to Ashes

    4.5/5

    7 ratings6 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Ashes to Ashes is the 8th book in the series. The medieval background enhances the reading experience while putting the clock back to a time before mysteries were solved by forensics.Hugh, as bailiff to Lord Talbot, is responsible for any trouble that occurs on Lord Gilbert Talbot’s lands. So when bones of a corpse are found in the St. John’s Day/Midsummer’s Eve bonfire he is responsible to find who the victim is and what happened and why. The who, what and why of this who-dun-it. You can read this as a stand-alone mystery however I warn you, you will become attached to the character and times of Hugh de Singleton and will be back for more. I recommend this series for those who like a cozy mystery, a police procedural or just any murder mystery.
    • 5/5
      I am so hooked on Mel Starr’s books! Each time I finish one, I am sad and can’t wait for the next one to be published! His murder mysteries are for sure one of a kind!I never tire of Hugh de Singleton, Medieval sleuth, doctor and surgeon. The reader becomes involved in all aspects of his life, on every level: professional, social, spiritual, family, and emotional. Through him you step back over 700 years and experience living through his eyes. I love his fantastic wit and dry humor. I can even imagine his tone of voice and mannerisms as he speaks.In each new book I learn even more history about the 14th century and the incredible medical practices during that time. I didn’t realize the surgeon was also the coroner, with only his backyard or kitchen table to gather information about the deceased!In this 8th mystery a person’s bones are found in the ashes of a fire after the Midsummer’s celebration. I think this is Hugh’s hardest case to date. There is little to go on and the clues keep shifting from person to person. I began to wonder if he would be able to solve this one, but he did! It was very suspenseful! He and his family faced greater danger than ever before. As with all Mr. Starr’s books, I was entertained, captivated, and surprised! I would give this book six stars if I could! If you like history and mystery you want to read this book!I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange or an honest review. The opinions I expressed are my own.
    • 4/5
      In Ashes to Ashes, the 8th book in Mel Starr’s Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton series, greed is the key motivation for crime. But just who is the greedy party? It seems most everyone has a reason for the murder of a fellow bailiff or at least a reason to cover it up. But Hugh has, besides a strong sense of justice, a stubborn streak that will not let go of a case, even when it turns dangerous.For fans of both mystery and history, Mel Starr’s books are a perfect fit. I love the detail he includes in his novels — from what the characters eat and wear to the political and religious culture. Times were hard in the 14th century, especially with the impact of the Black Death. Society is changing, but human nature never does. Without any high-tech gadgets, Hugh manages to solve the crime, though justice is not always served. Keen observation and an in-depth knowledge of the human mind makes Hugh formidable when he is in the midst of his investigation. Hugh is definitely a product of his day. Forward looking and a man of science, he has a strong dependence on God to lead and guide. Another book, Lucifer’s Harvest, is in the works, but it remains to be seen if Hugh and his family will remain in Bampton. As honorable as Hugh is, no one really likes a bailiff!A great series and a great book! Ashes to Ashes can be read as a standalone, but those who have been following the career of Hugh de Singleton are in for another treat.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      I have thoroughly enjoyed each of my journeys into the 1300s in the company of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon and Baliff. The author, Mel Starr, has a unique style that reads easily; and the prose and droll humor of Singleton makes this reader readily visualize characters as they engage one another and traipse along the countryside solving the mystery and crime of the moment.Not being encumbered with the fast pace and "stuff" of today's world, Hugh de Singleton thinks deeply and lucidly. Life is more simple in the 1300s than in the year 2015, but the stuff of good and evil still abounds even in the slower pace of life. Men are still evil and some are good.The church features prominently in the story in that it was prominent in everyone's life, especially in small villages, during medieval times. This is reflected in the heart and mind of Singleton.Singleton rides his Palfrey (definition: a riding horse with a comfortable gait), eats his maslin loaf or his wheaten loaf (breads of the day), and ends the day sitting in his toft (area around his house planted with vegetables) with his wife whom he loves. And he practices his skills as a professionally (Paris) trained surgeon in addition to seeing that the laws of the village and land are adhered to.I like that events generate moments of deeper pondering to Singleton. Throughout Ashes to Ashes, as in each of his other books, he frequently crosses Shill Brook at which he pauses and ponders."I left Arthur and the palfreys at the castle and walked to Galen House [Singleton's home]. Again I stopped at Shill Brook to gaze into the stream. The psalmist has told men that they should "Be still and know that I am God." I admit that in the busyness of the day, I had not considered Him nor sought guidance of the Lord Christ. I amended the fault there upon the bridge."Singleton is skilled as a Surgeon but he is equally skilled at deduction and detective work ferreting out wrong doers and bringing them to justice.It is always a pleasure to read Mel Starr's Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton.I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone.
    • 4/5
      Although I’m a Cadfael fan, this was the only other Medieval Mystery series I had read until recently. I did recently make a foray into another popular series by an American author, but I prefer this one, as the other seemed a little too OTT.

      There is something constant, comfortably reliable about The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton. Those who have read other books in the series will expect not to find any deep political intrigue in the series, set as it is in fourteenth century rural Oxfordshire, with only occasional visits to the county town. Rather it focuses more on the lives and actions and concerns of more ordinary people, and tends to adopt a slower, gentler pace. The stories usually also involve the exploration of some moral or spiritual theme- as Hugh is a sympathizer of John Wycliffe.
      Again, this is a detail I appreciate, considering that many works like this have characters who can be rather too modern in their outlook and attitudes, instead of seeing things the way people at the time might have done.

      Some of the previous titles in the series (this is the eighth) have been a mixed bag, but I think the last three have been consistently good, exploring some local drama or family conflict alongside the crime. I for once appreciate how the author incorporates aspects of social, legal and medical history into the stories. Of course, the protagonist and sleuth Hugh de Singleton is a surgeon, and always gets at least one medical emergency, but there’s usually something else too. In this one, it’s a property dispute involving the inheritance of a manor. As I am currently researching Medieval Legal records relating to landholding, it was something that I could relate to and understand.

      I did notice one historical error, a reference to the deposition of Edward II as having occurred 62 years before. The story is set in 1369, which would place the event in 1307, but that was the year Edward came to the throne, not the year of his deposition, which was 1327. Such mix-ups do happen, I just hope the quality of the stories and the underpinning research is not slipping, as I also noticed a few terms and phrases that seemed a bit too ‘American’ like ‘I was some taller’.
      My only other issue was that I did not feel justice was entirely served, but Hugh was hampered by circumstances in this case, not being able to prove that certain parties were involved. That has happened before, in other mysteries, and I guess it could be a reflection of real life.

      Other reviewers have mentioned that some of stories seem to be getting a little bit repetitive, and I am inclined to agree (Hugh gets beaten up again, when going home alone in the evening after investigating- really should have learned not to do that by now), but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I think it may have something to do with the rather narrow geographical setting, and cast of characters. I hear, however, that the next book may be set in France, which might add a new and interesting dimension. I’m just glad that there is going to be at another book, as I had heard this was to be the last one.

      I would recommend to lovers of more ‘cosy’ and light medieval mysteries, those who are interested in the period, and of course as those who are already following the series.

      I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in the hope that I would write a review. I was not required to write a positive one, and all opinions expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      Title: Ashes to Ashes (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton #8)Author: Mel StarrPages: 224Year: 2015Publisher: Lion FictionHugh de Singleton, surgeon, bailiff and fourth son of a knight returns in his eighth adventure. This time a midsummer celebration in the village of Bampton with a huge bonfire is the setting for the beginning of the story. On the morning after the bonfire has burned out, some village men are gathering up the ashes when they discover a human skeleton. Hugh is immediately called as is the coroner. Hugh is given the task of identifying the bones as they are found on Lord Gilbert’s property. As Lord Gilbert is Hugh’s boss, what Lord Gilbert wants is what Lord Gilbert gets.Hugh begins to investigate, but has trouble identifying the body as no one claims to know of any missing men in the area. Hugh spreads his search further and thinks he has identified the body only to be proven wrong. Starting over, he begins his questions in a nearby small village and meets with animosity. After questioning again and again, he thinks he knows who the skeleton is. Now he has to determine motive and find proof, which proves to be a daunting task. He is accosted and beaten badly, but refuses to give up. He will see justice done!Mel Starr deftly recreates life in England in the 1300s in this wonderful series. I like history and mystery, so I get a double dose with Mel’s books! Hugh’s character continues to develop and I appreciate the questions he poses regarding what the Lord Christ would want him to act or respond in certain situations. Hugh also ponders some great truths of life that apply to life in today’s time period as well. I like Hugh’s stubborn nature, refusing to give up on seeking justice even if it means sacrificing something of himself. I eagerly look forward to book nine in the series, Lucifer’s Harvest, and can’t wait to see Hugh in action again.My rating is 5 stars.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”